The Devils traded the 39th overall pick in the NHL entry draft to the Phoenix Coyotes for the 42nd and 73rd selections.

They used the 42nd pick to take defenseman Steven Santini from the under-18 USHL developmental program.

Santini, who is 6-2, 208 pounds, had no goals with 13 assists in 56 games last season. He was plus-16 with 42 penalty minutes.

"I'm just a big, physical defenseman. I'm a good skater, a two-way guy. I get up and down the ice pretty quick." Santini said. "I'm not a big point-getter, but I'm a very good shutdown guy. I'm very responsible, very reliable. The shutdown role is something I embraced."

Although he was a Rangers fans, Santini spoke of watching Scott Stevens.

"He was definitely someone I kind of looked up to and really liked when I was younger," Santini said. "They've had a lot of good players. I'm excited to be here."

He was aware that the Devils were interested.

"I knew they had interest in me," Santini said. "I interviewed well at the combine. Once I saw there were some trades going around I didn't know what was going to happen but I knew they were interested in me so I knew it was a possibility."

Santini spoke about being a Rangers fan.

"That changed 20 minutes ago," he said with a smile.

He was born in Bronxville, N.Y, and grew up in Mahopec, N.Y. Santini is committed to attending Boston College.

"I grew up playing in Brewster (NY) since I was three or four. I wanted to play in the NHL. I wanted to get drafted," he said. "To hear my name today was a pretty unbelievable feeling.

"There's a lot of work between now and when I play in the NHL but this is a good first step."

He knows the metropolitan area well.

"New York sports fans are the best. I know that firsthand," he said. "So I'm very happy to hopefully one day have the opportunity to play in New Jersey... If one day I can play for the Devils I'll be right near home."